Krishnan Sreekumar
Manchester United are targeting a centre-back in the upcoming summer transfer window
According to Manchester Evening News, Manchester United are planning to sign a new centre-back in the upcoming summer transfer window in order to address the defensive frailties that they have suffered this season.
Last season, we saw the team led by club captain Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof in defence as we managed to finish as runners-up in the Premier League table, despite a few unflattering performances.
To strengthen and build on our previous campaign, the Red Devils invested in Raphael Varane and brought him over from Real Madrid to add some experience and quality to the side. This saw Lindelof play understudy to the Frenchman this season.
However, the France international has only been satisfactory in his performances for the team since joining, while Maguire has deeply regressed in his displays on the pitch. Not just this, Varane has also proven to be injury-prone, barely able to appear for more than a few matches back-to-back.
Defensive track record in tatters
Thus far, United have already conceded 44 goals in the league. This is the same number that we conceded all of last season, when we finished second. With six games to go this season, the Red Devils are still in danger of surpassing their tally of shipping 54 goals at the back, which was achieved in the 2018-19 season in what was the club’s worst top-flight defensive performance in 40 years.
In light of this terrible statistic, it is said that the Manchester side have already held discussions with Chelsea defender Antonio Rudiger’s camp, given that he is out of contract in the summer. However, there is little expectation of him joining at the end of the season, with sources indicating that the German is more focused on discussing potential contracts with clubs guaranteed of playing in the Champions League next season.
Aside from Maguire, Lindelof, and Varane, the club can also call upon the services of Phil Jones and Eric Bailly, who have been relegated to the bench and have barely featured for the side this season. These players were seen in cup competition appearances, but with United out of the League Cup and FA Cup early on in the campaign, we have hardly seen these stars in action.
Youth players have also not been relied upon, with Axel Tuanzebe and Teden Mengi sent out on loan despite the senior side suffering from inconsistent performances at the back. It is puzzling as to why other options from the current defence have not been explored to gamble and see if things change for the better.
More Manchester United News
- Transfer News: Manchester United targeting a move for Everton centre-back Jarrad Branthwaite in the summer
- Robin van Persie likely to reject Manchester United offer from potential incoming manager Erik ten Hag
- Manchester United will pay some weekly wages for Fulham and Bournemouth target Dean Henderson if he goes on loan
Aside from defence, the Old Trafford outfit is also eyeing midfield additions as a priority in the summer and are already working on a potential deal for Leeds United star Kalvin Phillips. Our midfield has been weak for multiple seasons now, but still, the club have not addressed this issue and we continue to suffer as a consequence.
The aim is also to sign at least one forward and a backup goalkeeper, in the event Dean Henderson departs either on loan or permanently. Goals have dried up this season as we reach the business end of the campaign, and a younger replacement for 37-year-old Cristiano Ronaldo and 35-year-old Edinson Cavani needs to be scouted.
